Is it possible to be a hypochondriac unintentionally? Because then I'd say it's something like copinglinks. And how could they theoretically be counted as valid?

(2025-02-19 0:56)CatBark Wrote:  I am not LGBT and i would consider being animalistic has always been a trait of mine. It didn't start as a hyperfixation at all, I've just been always drawn to nature and viewed myself as a dog. As for mental health problems I'm not autistic but do show signs of adhd, but I've never gone to a psychiatrist or gotten diagnosed for anything.

I do have childhood trauma, but my animalistic instincts and connections started before all of that. I also was not raised around pets, so I didn't have that influence growing up. Maybe this is a common theme for therians, but it's not the case for all of them. pretty interesting analysis though.

Interesting. I don't know anything about your life, but it is more normal for children to have animalistic behaviours that they grow out of, so perhaps your trauma could have influenced this to continue later in life instead of going away. I'm just speculating, do you have any theory for why you're a therian?

I am not LGBT and i would consider being animalistic has always been a trait of mine. It didn't start as a hyperfixation at all, I've just been always drawn to nature and viewed myself as a dog. As for mental health problems I'm not autistic but do show signs of adhd, but I've never gone to a psychiatrist or gotten diagnosed for anything.

I do have childhood trauma, but my animalistic instincts and connections started before all of that. I also was not raised around pets, so I didn't have that influence growing up. Maybe this is a common theme for therians, but it's not the case for all of them. pretty interesting analysis though.

(2025-02-18 20:18)Lupus Ferox Wrote:  Do you believe you can be born trans?

If therianthropy was to make its appearance in the DSM-V, multiple ingredients would have to be present in order to call oneself that and for an extended amount of time (say six months in a row f.ex.) even. Neurodivergency, as you put it, is definitely a contender to be part of the recipe. Yes, I believe in the theory you proposed. I also believe that dysphoria sees many similarities no matter it's based on species or gender. If you can be born with one, then in analogue you can be born with the other (or both) as well. I see no difference as dysphoria is a worldwide, widespread, well-known and much talked about phenomenon. Of course, what dysphoria is exactly, will differ from one individual to the next, depending on the stamina, perseverance, of the individual. But... in general, I would say that what it means to be dysphoric is most likely a universal concept. The way we cope, can differ of course.

I do believe that you are born trans, but I am not an expert so I can't say for sure. I guess I see species dysphoria and gender dysphoria as different concepts in more ways than just the cause. The presentation of both of these things is similar, but one can be treated in ways other than transitioning. The only treatment for gender dysphoria is to transition. You can manage species dysphoria through things like gear, yes, but you can also use a variety of other methods. I generally see species dysphoria as something that only appears in conjunction with other mental health issues, so not therianthropy wouldn't be the root cause. Ultimately I don't know for sure if you are born as a therian, but I don't believe that these two types of dysphoria should be treated in the same way.

Do you believe you can be born trans?

If therianthropy was to make its appearance in the DSM-V, multiple ingredients would have to be present in order to call oneself that and for an extended amount of time (say six months in a row f.ex.) even. Neurodivergency, as you put it, is definitely a contender to be part of the recipe. Yes, I believe in the theory you proposed. I also believe that dysphoria sees many similarities no matter it's based on species or gender. If you can be born with one, then in analogue you can be born with the other (or both) as well. I see no difference as dysphoria is a worldwide, widespread, well-known and much talked about phenomenon. Of course, what dysphoria is exactly, will differ from one individual to the next, depending on the stamina, perseverance, of the individual. But... in general, I would say that what it means to be dysphoric is most likely a universal concept. The way we cope, can differ of course.

(2024-12-22 11:57)Bloeien Wrote:  I think that being a hypochondriac is entirely possible and it wouldn't surprise me if it made up some percentage of alterhumans. I don't know if I'd feel it's valid in this case.

I'm not really sure that it's valid either, but I would definitely say there are probably a LOT of therians who identify as one because of being a hypochondriac

What about unbiased confirmation by other people, say people you've just met or hung out with for a short while?
I find that their insights may help, too, in that regard, even if it's just saying you're acting off or not as a human being should. It could be the trigger for you to do the research. Some of you mention deep thinking. But some of those feelings don't need to be thought about all the time, in my opinion. They have to be experienced first before you can narrow down their origins. Of course a bit obvious, but I thought why not mention.

I didn't need to do a lot of research. I felt like a cat for years and years, and I always acted like one (I was "the furry" in school since I was like 7 lol, since most people don't know the difference ?) so I knew I was a feline and I knew I was small.

This is certainly true in my case. I am autistic and have had a special interest in animals for as long as I can remember.

This kind of makes sense, except a decent amount of felines and canines are more solitary in nature. It also kind of ignores non canine or feline animals that are very social, such as fish and bees.